The oldest secular centre of the area is the feudal castle of Wissekerke at Bazel, which was inhabited by the ancient family Vilain until 1989.

The mayor is Antoine Denert. In March 2003 Denert set up the Department of Tenderness to encourage residents to be nicer to each other. Denert worries that "People don't cuddle any more and that's the reason why there are so many conflicts." and announces: "I will set an example and start in my own village by caressing, cuddling and kissing as many people as possible." To his alderman portfolio of duties, until then Work, Environment and Budget, was officially added Tenderness.

As of August 26, 2004, no other civic governments have adopted this idea.